MODERN Trends in Construction and Building
Emerging technologies and construction practices will transform the construction industry and lead to projects that are faster, safer and less expensive.
From cutting-edge building technologies to innovative construction methods and better decision-making systems, projects are getting smarter. Given the rapid development of emerging construction opportunities, owners should demand faster projects, lower costs and better buildings. Here are some trends that will shape and improve construction projects in future and beyond.
1. Detailed 3D BIM modeling
Instead of 2D drawings, 3D computer designs using Building Information Modeling (BIM) are becoming the standard, providing owners better visualizations. And these go for both architectural and building systems.
Design consultants use BIM to model structural engineering, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, ductwork, steel work and more. Combined with clash detection programs, designers can ensure no systems interfere with each other, preventing field coordination problems before they arise on the jobsite.
2. Cost and schedule modeling with 5D Macro-BIM
More and more design firms are adopting 5D Macro BIM at the earliest stages of design. These models show owners how early design concepts affect cost, schedule and constructability, allowing them to evaluate large-scale options and make informed decisions.
3. Pre-fabrication
Nowadays construction firms pre-fabricate building elements off-site. This means instead of sequentially constructing facilities one by one, contractors are starting to deliver multiple project elements at the same time to fasten the schedules.
While some pre-fabricate walls off-site, a contractor pours the foundation at the site. With some of the most technical work performed off-site, quality is improved, too. And owners see a faster project.
4. Energy-saving building systems
Design and construction firms are increasingly bringing energy-efficiency analysis into the early design and construction process. Builders, owners and architects have increasing opportunities to model how different energy-efficient solutions affect overall building value with green construction.
5. Smart buildings
Buildings are becoming increasingly connected, with systems that provide data monitoring and remote access. Technologies are emerging to allow owners to not only track their facility’s systems but also automate them.
For example, distribution center lighting can be set to automatically turn on in specific zones and turn off when not in use, delivering significant energy savings to owners. One day, smart buildings will become the norm.
6. Integrated mobile technology and information on jobsites
Construction teams are increasingly using mobile devices to file reports and share information on jobsites, streamlining the construction process. The use of this technology reduces costs while improving the reliability of reports and jobsite documentation.
The project team has instant answers to questions that would have previously slowed down a project with trips to jobsite heads for plan evaluations or calls to the architect. Pictures of jobsite progress can be taken, and Quality Assurance can be improved.
7. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are small devices with rotors and an on-board camera that takes stills or sends video to a live feed. Project teams are exploring their use in surveying to digitize geographical terrain.
UAVs can aid in remote jobsite monitoring, inspections and safer evaluations of hard-to-reach areas, such as 80 feet up a building or underneath a bridge
8. Enhanced jobsite safety
As technology moves workers further and further away from the most dangerous tasks, construction projects should get safer. Each year, workers die and sustain injuries from preventable jobsite accidents. It’s one of the biggest problems in construction. The industry already has well-established safety practices, and combined with technology, jobs should be less dangerous.
From cutting-edge building technologies to innovative construction methods and better decision-making systems, projects are getting smarter. Given the rapid development of emerging construction opportunities, owners should demand faster projects, lower costs and better buildings. Here are some trends that will shape and improve construction projects in future and beyond.
1. Detailed 3D BIM modeling
Instead of 2D drawings, 3D computer designs using Building Information Modeling (BIM) are becoming the standard, providing owners better visualizations. And these go for both architectural and building systems.
Design consultants use BIM to model structural engineering, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, ductwork, steel work and more. Combined with clash detection programs, designers can ensure no systems interfere with each other, preventing field coordination problems before they arise on the jobsite.
2. Cost and schedule modeling with 5D Macro-BIM
More and more design firms are adopting 5D Macro BIM at the earliest stages of design. These models show owners how early design concepts affect cost, schedule and constructability, allowing them to evaluate large-scale options and make informed decisions.
3. Pre-fabrication
Nowadays construction firms pre-fabricate building elements off-site. This means instead of sequentially constructing facilities one by one, contractors are starting to deliver multiple project elements at the same time to fasten the schedules.
While some pre-fabricate walls off-site, a contractor pours the foundation at the site. With some of the most technical work performed off-site, quality is improved, too. And owners see a faster project.
4. Energy-saving building systems
Design and construction firms are increasingly bringing energy-efficiency analysis into the early design and construction process. Builders, owners and architects have increasing opportunities to model how different energy-efficient solutions affect overall building value with green construction.
5. Smart buildings
Buildings are becoming increasingly connected, with systems that provide data monitoring and remote access. Technologies are emerging to allow owners to not only track their facility’s systems but also automate them.
For example, distribution center lighting can be set to automatically turn on in specific zones and turn off when not in use, delivering significant energy savings to owners. One day, smart buildings will become the norm.
6. Integrated mobile technology and information on jobsites
Construction teams are increasingly using mobile devices to file reports and share information on jobsites, streamlining the construction process. The use of this technology reduces costs while improving the reliability of reports and jobsite documentation.
The project team has instant answers to questions that would have previously slowed down a project with trips to jobsite heads for plan evaluations or calls to the architect. Pictures of jobsite progress can be taken, and Quality Assurance can be improved.
7. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are small devices with rotors and an on-board camera that takes stills or sends video to a live feed. Project teams are exploring their use in surveying to digitize geographical terrain.
UAVs can aid in remote jobsite monitoring, inspections and safer evaluations of hard-to-reach areas, such as 80 feet up a building or underneath a bridge
8. Enhanced jobsite safety
As technology moves workers further and further away from the most dangerous tasks, construction projects should get safer. Each year, workers die and sustain injuries from preventable jobsite accidents. It’s one of the biggest problems in construction. The industry already has well-established safety practices, and combined with technology, jobs should be less dangerous.
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